Cesky Krumlov - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cesky Krumlov is a charming, cosmopolitan town with unique atmosphere 492 metres (1610 ft.) above the sea level on the banks of Vltava (Moldau) river in an unspoiled countryside neighbourhood. Now it has total population of about 14 000 inhabitants.
First mentioning of the castle and its town is from 1253. It was founded by brothers Budivoj from a famous Czech family on the old commercial route of the lower Danube region.
The name Krumlov is from the German "Krumme Aue" (the "banded Stream").
On the crossroads of the Czech, Austrian, Bavarian and Northern Italian lands in the influence of these different cultures arose beautiful town with Castle.
The Golden Age of Krumlov was during the rule of Lords of Rozmberk (1302 - 1602), who choose it to become the seat of their large Estates. It became one of the most important castles in central Europe under these "Masters of the Rose". The main development ended in 1347.
The castle surrounding was called Latran (in latin "ad latera castelli") and the Old Town developed a bit later - on the other side of the river.
The cathedral of St. Vitus was built, silver and gold mining brought prosperity to the area.
The heraldic emblem of the city is the blazon of the Rozmberk family - the five red petals, rose on a silver background.
In 1601 Petr Vok sold Krumlov to the Habsburg emperor Rudolph II.
Castle Baroque Theatre (still operational - real historical treasury!) was built and the Castle gardens were renovated during the reign of House of Eggenberg in 17th century. Eggenberg family received Krumlov for loyalty to Habsburgs during the 30 year war and their reign was age of stagnation.
Krumlov gained its Baroque character under the rule of House of Schwarzenberg, who inherited lovely site. Krumlov, inspired by the style of the Viennese Imperial Court, returned back to its position of the cultural and artistic centre for a short time - only to loose it in the end of the 19th century. It ceased to be an aristocratic residence and economic stagnation followed.
This helped to preserve medieval character of the Old Town in unique volume until now (only fortification walls and guard towers were demolished).
The word Cesky (Czech) was added in front of the name Krumlov at the beginning of the 20th century.
Rigid regime of Communistic era led to other preservation of large architectonic areas to 1989 when it was listed by UNESCO as a world heritage. Many thousands of guests from all over the world inspired many artists to return back and made it cultural centre of large region again.
Castle over the meandering Vltava River, narrow cobblestone streets, romantic patrician houses with exhibits of various artists…it is charming Cesky Krumlov of these days.
Numerous music festivals, concerts, and theatre performances take place here.
Ancient taverns, inns and coffee shops are typical places for meeting of natives with visitors of all kind.
